TRBboy

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1377039911' post='2182701'] I fancy the jazz version. What are the hardware materials like? [/quote] Sorry to jump in dude, but I believe the hardware is all standard sandberg stuff.

Really lovely bass in all aspects, and pretty unique I think too. I've been gassing after a purple burst bass for a while.... I hope you enjoy it, it looks incredible!

Well despite some folks opinions above, I've bitten the bullet and ordered some Dunlops tonight. Every other review I've seen has been very positive, and as strings direct have my gauge (40-120) ridiculously cheap at the moment, I thought it was worth a punt.

Very nice! Really wish they did a 5 string version....

I've got the super light Prosteels back on now, much better!

Just spotted another one...... Has anyone tried the Dean Markley Helix strings?

Thanks for the input guys, some very interesting suggestions and opinions. I'll have to see how flush I'm feeling when it's time to get some more, but I do quite fancy trying some DRs. The Dunlops are tempting because of the price, strings direct have my gauge for £15.95 or something at the moment!

Cheap and cheerful, but has anyone got any experience of the dunlop s/s strings? I'm sure I remember reading that one of the "Boutique" type of bass manufacturers was using them on their basses, and also that some fairly notable players from the states were using them (out of choice!).

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1376836216' post='2179707'] I was going to say that IME Elites were fairly average but then it occurred to me that a lot of pickiness in selecting strings has been to do with the fact that as a 5-string player getting a low B that works well with my rather aggressive playing style has been the over-riding factor in my evaluation of strings. Once you take that out of the equation, I'd be quite happy with the above-mention Elites. In fact I'm also of the opinion that if you play a 34" scale 4-string bass with standard gauges (40/45 to 95/105) you can't go far wrong with Rotosounds bought new (not ones that have been sat in the shop for months). [/quote] Ah, that's quite interesting. Fwiw, I play 34" 5ers, I like .040"-.125" gauge or thereabouts. I guess I play fairly lightly, even when using a pick although I do like to dig in a bit sometimes. Edit: I don't really sweat at all!

Just looking at La Bellas, the spiel sounds like they'd be right up my street; flexible but deep tone for a stainless string, and the varies look good too. I may have to dig deep.... Can you get string GAS?!

[quote name='Minty' timestamp='1376827955' post='2179533'] DR Hi-Beams are nice! [/quote] Very intrigued by DRs, how well do they last?

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1376828045' post='2179536'] Although a long-term Rotosound Steels use (but having migrated to their Nickels) D`addario Steels have a nice sound to them, much fuller in the mid-range I found. [/quote] Yeah I kind of found the same, they're a bit more focused and have a bit more punch and definition.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1376827235' post='2179511'] La Bella Stainless Steels. [/quote] Worth it for the money then? Do they last well?

Alright, I know it's a highly subjective thing, but I was just interested to know what type of ss roundwound strings are best in your opinion (considering tone, longevity and vfm)? I've mainly been using either Rotos or D'addario Prosteels for the last few years, and they're kind of fine, but I'm just curious about other brands, especially some of the more "premium" ones. I haven't got the money to try them all out for comparison's sake! Hence why I'm asking for your opinions. Thanks.

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1376601022' post='2176812'] If you like the nickel , but find the tension too high on the XL 's , have you thought about trying a set of DR Sunbeams ? They are a fantastic-sounding nickel string with a very low- tension feel compared to your D'Addarios and they stay sounding good longer than any other string I have ever used . Even after they die off a bit they still sound good , and they don't go properly dead for absolutely ages . Well worth trying , despite the high price compared to most other strings . [/quote] I think I've come to the conclusion that overall, I prefer the sound of stainless steel. I have found that Rotos are a bit fuller sounding than the D'addario Prosteels, but I like them both. Just how good are DR's? People always rave about them but the price puts me off (tight arse). I'd quite like to try some, but do they actually sound REALLY good and last a long time?

Well, gigged them the last two nights. There's pros and cons to them for me, but mostly the cons outweigh the pros. Should have stuck to what I know! As a result, I'm selling the unused set if anyone's interested: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/214848-fs-daddario-xl-nickel-5-string-set-exl-170-5-040-130/

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' timestamp='1376641285' post='2177117'] If I were in need of a P-style bass, this would have to be on the "to try" list. Do they do a five, though? Seems likely (without looking) [/quote] I would be keen to get my hands on a 5 string Electra too, but I asked one of my contacts at Sandberg about it last week and he said there are no plans to make any at the moment.

Well, I played it at band practice last night, and now I'm not so sure..... definitely sounds different, more full and rounded, and the D and G strings come through much better. I think I prefer the tightness and definition of the stainless strings though. The biggest issue is adjusting to the increased tension, I really don't know if I can cope with it. I'll gig them tomorrow and Saturday and see how I get on, maybe I'll get used to it. What a tit, I bought two packets as well! Anyone want a new pack of D'addario XL nickel wound .045"-.130"?

Genuinely surprised how much of a difference! I've used stainless roundwounds exclusively for the last few years, and got progressively lighter with the gauge (ending up on super light 40-125 D'addario Prosteels). I was feeling though that the D & G strings were a little "thin" sounding recently though, so when I wanted some new strings this week I decided to go back up a gauge to regular light 45-130, and go for nickels. WOW! My bass sounds completely different! I knew there would be a difference obviously, but I underestimated how much! Sounds much deeper and more toneful, and I have to set the eq on my bass completely differently. Obviously they're not quite as snappy and the lows aren't quite as tight, but sounds great. Remains to be seen how long they'll last, I normally get a good 4-5 months out of a stainless set. I'm looking forward to giving them a good try out tonight at band practice. That is all.

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1376420817' post='2173780'] XL T shirt? Do they have other sizes too? [/quote] I think the t-shirts are all large.

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1376420745' post='2173778'] Are the strings heavily discounted because of all the free advertising they're getting through the tee shirts? [/quote] Don't think so, the prices are the same as usual I think. They're such a good company imho, always very helpful and quick delivery.

[quote name='voxpop' timestamp='1376420586' post='2173774'] Just received two balanced tension XL Sets which are not on offer with the free T Shirt. [/quote] Yeah it's only for the actual pre-packaged twin sets, which are only available in the most common nickel xl sizes.

Don't know whether anyone else is doing this offer or not, but order any twin pack of D'addario nickel XLs from Stringbusters at the moment, and you'll receive a D'addario XL t-shirt too. I always buy from them anyway because of great price and superb service, but I was extra pleased to receive my strings this morning, because I hadn't even seen this offer so the t-shirt was completely unexpected! Whilst stocks last I believe. Btw, I'm in no way affiliated to Stringbusters!